HarrisburgNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94HarrisburgMon, 24 Jul 2017 04:52:17 +0000Harrisburghttp://wesa.fm
Associated PressCalling the case "an American tragedy," a federal judge has sentenced a heroin dealer to serve more than two decades in prison for his role in the overdose death of a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Mariani acknowledged the 262-month sentence was harsh, but says it's warranted given the severity of the charges against 37-year-old Alfred Yale and his extensive criminal record. The Scranton Times-Tribune reports Yale was sentenced Tuesday in Harrisburg. Yale pleaded guilty in May 2016 to conspiracy to distribute heroin that caused serious bodily injury or death. His co-defendant, Michelle Beagle, pleaded guilty in March 2016 and is currently awaiting sentencing. In brief comments after his sentencing, Yale apologized to the family of the victim, Cole Srebro.Drug Dealer Sentenced To Nearly 22 Years For Overdose Deathhttp://wesa.fm/post/drug-dealer-sentenced-nearly-22-years-overdose-death
89007 as http://wesa.fmThu, 20 Jul 2017 08:42:00 +0000Drug Dealer Sentenced To Nearly 22 Years For Overdose DeathKatie MeyerThe last month of the fiscal year was a decent one for Pennsylvania, revenue-wise, with returns coming in slightly higher than expected. But it comes at the end of a year of unexpectedly dismal earnings. The commonwealth ended 2016-17 with its revenues over a billion dollars below projections. Its expectations for the new fiscal year are more modest. The three primary tax categories are sales, personal income, and corporate income taxes. All three finished well under initial estimates; sales taxes missed the mark by 2 percent, PIT by 3 percent, and corporate income taxes by 6.6 percent. The state revenue department confirms that this means the commonwealth is starting the 2017-18 fiscal year short $1.1 billion, plus another $400 million that it ended up spending over initial budget projections. That leaves a shortfall of a $1.5 billion going into this fiscal year. And a spokesman for the revenue department said the state will also need to find an additional billion to “balance outState Revenues End The Year Low, As Expectedhttp://wesa.fm/post/state-revenues-end-year-low-expected
88137 as http://wesa.fmThu, 06 Jul 2017 16:40:13 +0000State Revenues End The Year Low, As ExpectedMarc Levy | Associated PressA top Pennsylvania senator says compromise legislation to expand casino-style gambling is forthcoming as a stalemate enters its fifth day over paying for a $32 billion budget package. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said Wednesday that gambling legislation is a step toward raising $2.2 billion to fill a deficit. The Capitol is quiet this week as top lawmakers talk privately outside the Capitol. Scarnati and the Legislature's other Republican leaders say they're considering borrowing most of the money. Gambling legislation had been held up by a disagreement over heavily lobbied legislation to allow slot machine-style gambling terminals in bars and truck stops. But Scarnati says it's time to move past disagreements. Scarnati says negotiators are also working on legislation that could expand the sale of wine or liquor licenses.Pennsylvania Budget Talks Drag Into Day 5 Of Fiscal Yearhttp://wesa.fm/post/pennsylvania-budget-talks-drag-day-5-fiscal-year
88058 as http://wesa.fmWed, 05 Jul 2017 19:47:25 +0000Pennsylvania Budget Talks Drag Into Day 5 Of Fiscal YearMarc Levy | Associated PressA top Republican state senator says it's looking more like Pennsylvania's budget package won't be finished by the start of the new fiscal year in three days as lawmakers grapple with the state's biggest cash shortfall since the recession. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said Wednesday that the only agreement with House GOP leaders and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is on a spending figure, a number around $31.9 billion. That's about $600 million more than this year's budget figure, including money necessary to balance this year's books. Corman says the Senate is trying to address concerns about cuts to spending approved by House Republicans, including to county social services. However, Corman says there's no agreement on how to come up with the roughly $2.2 billion necessary to foot the bill.Pennsylvania Budget Work Likely To Drag Into New Fiscal Yearhttp://wesa.fm/post/pennsylvania-budget-work-likely-drag-new-fiscal-year
87602 as http://wesa.fmWed, 28 Jun 2017 16:41:22 +0000Pennsylvania Budget Work Likely To Drag Into New Fiscal YearKatie MeyerState lawmakers have made no secret of the fact that next fiscal year’s state budget, which is due Friday, will be a hard one to enact.Breaking Down The Budget: The Political Path To PA's Structural Deficithttp://wesa.fm/post/breaking-down-budget-political-path-pas-structural-deficit
87592 as http://wesa.fmWed, 28 Jun 2017 14:16:18 +0000Breaking Down The Budget: The Political Path To PA's Structural DeficitAnnette John-Hall | NewsWorksEver wonder about something you see or hear in the region that you wish our reporters would explore? Now's your chance! Here's how it works : Share your questions with us. Then, we'll let the public vote on the one they want us to investigate. Finally, if your question wins — and if you're game — work with us to get to the bottom of it. This round, Alex Shirreffs from Philadelphia asked: Why is Pennsylvania called a commonwealth? Four states in the nation — Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania — use the designation commonwealth to define themselves. The distinction doesn't mean they're any different or enjoy any advantages over the other 46 states. It simply means they've adopted the British term for providing for the "common good" or the "common wealth" of its citizens. The term was coined by 16th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, considered one of the founders of modern political theory. The fact that Pennsylvania ranks as the worst state in educationalWhy Is Pennsylvania Called A Commonwealth?http://wesa.fm/post/why-pennsylvania-called-commonwealth
87514 as http://wesa.fmTue, 27 Jun 2017 16:02:24 +0000Why Is Pennsylvania Called A Commonwealth?Katie MeyerLawmakers in Washington are still reading through the finer details of the Senate GOP's new healthcare bill, but opponents are already warning it’ll give states an impossible choice—either cut services, or spend billions more on healthcare.Casey: PA Can't Afford To Maintain Health Care Without Federal Help http://wesa.fm/post/casey-pa-cant-afford-maintain-health-care-without-federal-help
87454 as http://wesa.fmTue, 27 Jun 2017 08:16:00 +0000Casey: PA Can't Afford To Maintain Health Care Without Federal Help Katie MeyerAccording to Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, he and other Democrats haven’t so far been party to many of the budget negotiations that are heating up in the Capitol.Top Senate Democrat Says The Budget Probably Won't Be Balancedhttp://wesa.fm/post/top-senate-democrat-says-budget-probably-wont-be-balanced
87011 as http://wesa.fmTue, 20 Jun 2017 16:27:55 +0000Top Senate Democrat Says The Budget Probably Won't Be BalancedKatie MeyerAn impassioned group of advocates and lawmakers are pushing for two controversial pieces of legislation that would make it harder for women to access abortion services in Pennsylvania .Abortion Rights Opponents Push For Action On Two Billshttp://wesa.fm/post/abortion-rights-opponents-push-action-two-bills
86077 as http://wesa.fmWed, 07 Jun 2017 14:33:46 +0000Abortion Rights Opponents Push For Action On Two BillsMark Scolforo | Associated PressA Republican legislator who is running for Pennsylvania governor grabbed a camera away from a man who works for a liberal opposition research group, and police are investigating. State Sen. Scott Wagner said Wednesday he "assisted in removing" the camera because the man had no business filming him during a speech at a private country club the day before. Washington-based American Bridge 21st Century, the man's employer, said the camera was returned but not the memory card. The group says on its website its goal is to hold Republicans accountable. The owner of a trash hauling company, Wagner won a special election to the state Senate in 2014 through a write-in campaign after the York County Republican establishment backed another candidate. He is seeking the right to challenge Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018. Wagner was giving a presentation at the Country Club of York when he asked attendees: "Is this guy one of your guys, or is he a tracker?" Pointing to the cameraman, he asked, "WhoGubernatorial Candidate Wagner Grabs Opposition Researcher's Camerahttp://wesa.fm/post/gubernatorial-candidate-wagner-grabs-opposition-researchers-camera
84088 as http://wesa.fmThu, 04 May 2017 17:07:40 +0000Gubernatorial Candidate Wagner Grabs Opposition Researcher's CameraMarc Levy | Associated PressFresh revelations show how federal authorities tried to use disgraced former state Treasurer Rob McCord to implicate others in a broad pay-to-play investigation of Pennsylvania government, but it leaves the question of whether the FBI probe is effectively finished. The investigation dates to 2009, when the FBI set up a fake company with phony executives who began hiring lobbyists in Harrisburg and making campaign contributions. It has thus far produced charges against four people, including McCord and John Estey, a onetime chief of staff to former Gov. Ed Rendell. Ripples of fear washed through Pennsylvania's political circles two years ago when federal authorities began to notify people that they had been recorded or targeted. But the investigation may be at an end. "If I were a betting man, I would bet there's nothing else, because (otherwise) you would see it," said Jeffrey Lindy, a Philadelphia-based defense attorney and a former federal prosecutor. Testimony in the just-endedFBI Corruption Probe In Pennsylvania Had More In Its Sightshttp://wesa.fm/post/fbi-corruption-probe-pennsylvania-had-more-its-sights
81817 as http://wesa.fmMon, 03 Apr 2017 15:04:40 +0000FBI Corruption Probe In Pennsylvania Had More In Its SightsMargaret J. KraussPopulation data has a way of freaking people out. After all, population determines federal allocation dollars, which trickle down to the state, county, and local levels, said Peter Borsella, a demographer with the U.S. Census Bureau, which released county and metro-area population estimates on Thursday. So let’s get this over with: From 2015 to 2016 Pennsylvania waved goodbye to just fewer than 8,000 people. Most counties lost population, though 19 posted some growth. Allegheny County — home to Pittsburgh — made the top-10 list for largest-declining counties. Despite a drop in people moving in from other states or counties, Philadelphia County gained population, helped along by immigrants. Some counties in the southeast and south central parts of the state, such as Lebanon and Lehigh , also drew more residents. But population trends are to demography what weather is to climate: They change easily over time, and don’t offer the full picture. “One of the most volatile components that goPhilly, Harrisburg Regions Gained Residents, While Most PA Counties Lost Populationhttp://wesa.fm/post/philly-harrisburg-regions-gained-residents-while-most-pa-counties-lost-population
81231 as http://wesa.fmFri, 24 Mar 2017 18:55:46 +0000Philly, Harrisburg Regions Gained Residents, While Most PA Counties Lost PopulationDeanna GarciaJewish centers in York and Harrisburg were among those affected by a wave of bomb threats in at least 11 states Monday . This came the day after more than 100 headstones were knocked over at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia.Governor Calls Threats And Vandalism Against Jewish Community 'Acts of Terrorism' http://wesa.fm/post/governor-calls-threats-and-vandalism-against-jewish-community-acts-terrorism
79592 as http://wesa.fmMon, 27 Feb 2017 22:15:26 +0000Governor Calls Threats And Vandalism Against Jewish Community 'Acts of Terrorism' Associated PressThe state Senate has been closed for a day following a vandalism incident. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports an email was forwarded to all Senate employees on Sunday announcing the closure of the Senate side of the Capitol on Monday. Drew Crompton, counsel to Sen. Joe Scarnati, says a man gained access to the Capitol early Sunday and sprayed a fire extinguisher in the hallways by the Senate's offices and chambers. Crompton says a suspect has been arrested in connection with the vandalism. He also says several historic portraits have been removed to check for possible damage. State officials say crews will conduct air quality testing before employees return to the building. Four floors were affected by the vandalism.Half Of Capitol Closes After Vandal Sprays Fire Extinguisherhttp://wesa.fm/post/half-capitol-closes-after-vandal-sprays-fire-extinguisher
78575 as http://wesa.fmMon, 13 Feb 2017 15:55:20 +0000Half Of Capitol Closes After Vandal Sprays Fire ExtinguisherKatie MeyerPennsylvania's Senate Democrats are calling for reforms to the commonwealth's long-standing system of using property taxes to pay for public schools. It's an initiative that's renewed nearly every session. But now, the group is calling for a special legislative session. School property tax collections this fiscal year are in the range of $14 billion. The system has long been criticized for allowing the state's wealthiest school systems to collect far more tax money than their lower-income peers. Democratic Senator Lisa Boscola, of Lehigh County, initiated the call for a special session on the issue. She also called for one 2002, but it was unproductive because the then-governor wasn't on-board. Boscola said this year, there's more consensus--at least on the issue's fundamental points. "We do agree that the current funding system needs some kind of reform," she said. "It's not fair. It's antiquated. And it needs to be addressed." Governor Tom Wolf hasn't confirmed whether he'll considerSenate Democrats Call For Special Session On Property Tax Reformhttp://wesa.fm/post/senate-democrats-call-special-session-property-tax-reform
77903 as http://wesa.fmMon, 06 Feb 2017 09:10:00 +0000Senate Democrats Call For Special Session On Property Tax ReformKatie MeyerAt U.S. Senator Pat Toomey's various offices in Pennsylvania and Washington, the phones have been ringing off the hook for days. Constituents are calling in droves, filling voice mailboxes with pleas for the Republican not to confirm President Donald Trump's cabinet appointees--particularly education secretary pick Betsy DeVos. But the newly reelected Toomey seems to have his mind made up. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is just one group that's come out strongly against DeVos. Spokesman George Jackson called the billionaire conservative donor unqualified, saying, "the only experience she's ever had for public education is a commitment to destroy it." "She's called public education a dead end," he added. "We just think that somebody with her record of constant activism against public education should not be in charge of the public schools that 90 percent of America's children go to." So far, just two GOP Senators have said they won't confirm DeVos. Toomey is not among them, butAs Constituent Calls Flood Offices, Toomey Re-Confirms DeVos Supporthttp://wesa.fm/post/constituent-calls-flood-offices-toomey-re-confirms-devos-support
77904 as http://wesa.fmThu, 02 Feb 2017 19:01:49 +0000As Constituent Calls Flood Offices, Toomey Re-Confirms DeVos SupportKatie MeyerIn one of the state Capitol’s busy lobbies, there’s a clock that tracks unfunded pension liabilities. All day and night, that clock ticks upwards, adding billions of dollars to Pennsylvania’s debts every year. The clock’s overseen by a small, dedicated group of pension overhaul advocates and on Tuesday, they dragged it up to the Capitol’s main rotunda to make a renewed call to lawmakers: find a way to halt the clock’s rising numbers, once and for all. The clock currently places the state’s pension debts at more than $74 billion, a higher number than the $62 billion the state Independent Fiscal Office reports. Both estimates are based on the most recent numbers released from the state employee and public school employee retirement systems. The difference is the state numbers calculate debt based on rolling averages, while the pension clock uses current market rates and continually factors in interest. Eric Epstein, who runs the watchdog organization Rock the Capital, said that no matterNew Year, Same Old Pension Problems For Pennsylvaniahttp://wesa.fm/post/new-year-same-old-pension-problems-pennsylvania
77358 as http://wesa.fmWed, 25 Jan 2017 16:03:10 +0000New Year, Same Old Pension Problems For PennsylvaniaMark Scolforo | Associated PressA former mayor pleaded guilty Monday to 20 counts of receiving stolen property related to his ill-starred effort to bring a Wild West museum to his central Pennsylvania city. Former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed , 67, faces serious health problems and felt pleading guilty was the right thing to do, his lawyer said. "We think this is an opportunity now to move on with his life and get the treatment he needs for his illness," said attorney Henry Hockeimer Jr. The plea came before jury selection was scheduled to get underway for Reed's trial on 114 counts. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining 94 charges. "We think that this achieves justice for not only the commonwealth, but the city of Harrisburg," said Joe Grace, spokesman for the state attorney general's office. Hockeimer said all 20 counts to which Reed pleaded guilty involve photos or documents. Reed , who led the city of Harrisburg for nearly three decades, had also been accused of receiving stolen property for other items,Ex-Harrisburg Mayor Pleads Guilty In Wild West Museum Artifacts Casehttp://wesa.fm/post/ex-harrisburg-mayor-pleads-guilty-wild-west-museum-artifacts-case
77244 as http://wesa.fmMon, 23 Jan 2017 22:20:08 +0000Ex-Harrisburg Mayor Pleads Guilty In Wild West Museum Artifacts CaseMarc Levy | Associated PressPennsylvania corrections officials are telling state senators they can close two prisons without jeopardizing the security of staff, inmates or the public. Monday's joint Senate committee hearing comes four days before the Department of Corrections is to announce which two prisons it'll close. The hearing in the state Capitol is packed with corrections officers and their supporters. The two prisons are to be chosen from a list of five prisons: Frackville, Mercer, Pittsburgh, Retreat and Waymart. Corrections officials tell senators they believe they can close the prisons without layoffs. They say a similar prison closing in 2013 resulted in just two employees choosing not to take a department job elsewhere. Pennsylvania has 26 prisons. Corrections officials say the inmate population is dropping and they expect that to continue. Meanwhile, the parole population is growing.Corrections Officials Tell Senators Prisons Can Close Safely http://wesa.fm/post/corrections-officials-tell-senators-prisons-can-close-safely
77210 as http://wesa.fmMon, 23 Jan 2017 14:50:41 +0000Corrections Officials Tell Senators Prisons Can Close Safely Katie MeyerThe 2017 legislative session has yet to begin, but some lawmakers are already making plans for the new year, and casino-related laws are among those at the top of the list. A closed-door meeting on Jan. 3 has been planned between lawmakers and representatives from all of the state’s 12 casinos. When it was passed this summer, the state’s operating budget included $100 million in new gambling revenue, but no bill was ever passed to provide the money. Then, in the fall, the state Supreme Court struck down a decade-old law that had required casinos to pay hefty fees to their host communities. The court gave lawmakers until January to pass a replacement bill, but so far no agreement has stuck. Westmoreland County Senator Kim Ward, said those will be the primary issues addressed in January. Ward, a Republican, is spearheading January’s meeting. She noted that lawmakers—including herself—are still interested in changing how casino tax money is distributed. “We’d like to get some revenue,Lawmakers Making Early Plans For Gaming Legislationhttp://wesa.fm/post/lawmakers-making-early-plans-gaming-legislation
75687 as http://wesa.fmWed, 28 Dec 2016 15:47:49 +0000Lawmakers Making Early Plans For Gaming Legislation